Garda reservists will be entitled to carry out many functions without being accompanied by a full-time member of the gardaí under regulations set out by the Minister for Justice.
The regulations were contained in a booklet published today by the Department of Justice prior to the start of a recruitment drive to fill 900 positions in the new force on Monday.
They allow reservists to do a number of station duties other than the care and custody of prisoners.
Minister for Justice Michael McDowell
The reservists will also be permitted to do communication room duties - including monitoring CCTV and to perform static security duties, such as those in place outside Government buildings.
But they will only be allowed perform foot patrols or traffic checkpoint duties when accompanied by a full-time member of the force.
The regulations - which have been approved by Cabinet - will also allow for reservists to be paid when they give evidence in court.
Reserve members will receive more than 120 hours of initial training, to be carried out over several months.
Minister for Justice Michael McDowell said the reserve force will enhance An Garda Síochána's capacity to respond to emerging policing challenges and will allow for more gardaí to be visibly deployed in communities.
Mr McDowell said: "Reserve members will provide support to full-time members and will help strengthen links between the force and local communities throughout the country."
The Garda today announced the recruitment drive for the reserve force would start on Monday when advertisements will be placed in national newspapers.
Recruitment will be run in conjunction with advertisements seeking full-time members of the force.